Whether it was the popularity of Yellowstone, Beyonce’s country album or Bella Hadid’s cowboy (now-ex) boyfriend, somewhere along the line, country became cool again. And while ‘this aint Texas’, a whole host of country music bars, complete with live country performers, line dancing classes and Southern comfort food, have started popping up all around Australia.
If you have ever stepped foot in one of these country music bars, then it’s not hard to see the appeal. Compared to the perhaps chicer and dare I say – more stilted – wine bars that have become synonymous with our urban centres, country music bars throb with a wilder, more raucous energy that can feel freeing in the aesthetics-driven dining scene that we’re so used to.
With dance floors that actually get used, whole bar sing-a-longs to Tennessee Whiskey and line dancing with strangers, it’s simply pure, unadulterated fun.
So, grab your cowboy boots and bootscoot over to one of the best country music bars near you.
@shotgun.willies
This Willie Nelson-inspired honky tonk is Adelaide’s place-to-go for country music lovers. Located in the Adelaide CBD, there’s live music, saddle and stomp line dancing lessons and plenty of buffalo wings and Philly cheese steaks to get you through the night.
Location: 22 Gilbert Pl, Adelaide
@jolenessydney
Located in the heart of the Sydney CBD on York Street, this Nashville-inspired country music bar has become an institution. With live country music most evenings, throat-burning whisky apples and plates piled high with Nashville chicken, Jolene’s is the cowboy antidote to the corporate work week.
Location: Lower Ground, 73 York Street, Sydney
@moondogwildwest
Moon Dog Wild West is a Foostcray favourite for a reason. This country bar doesn’t only have live country music and weekly line dancing classes but also a bucking bull for those daring enough to try. Upstairs, there’s also a rooftop with pool tables and views of the city.
Location: 54 Hopkins Street, Footscray
@honkytonkfreo
Fremantle’s favourite country bar has live music six nights a week, dedicated open-mic nights, and free line dancing classes every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The bar also serves up Southern style dishes like cowboy steaks, mac and cheese bites and street corn to get you through a night of boot scootin’.
Location: 81 High Street, Fremantle
@alabamasongbar
Alabama Song has been around since before country became cool again. There’s live country tunes playing behind the chickenwire every Friday and Saturday night, with $1 wings going on Wednesdays and Sundays. Whiskey and bourbon drinkers will also appreciate the signature whiskey cocktails.
Location: Rear 232 William St, Northbridge
@chattahoochees
This multi-storey country bar should have a place on every Brisbane bucket list. With multiple stages playing live country tunes, there’s also line dancing classes and cowboy karaoke to try. Foodwise, there’s classic American comfort eats like Joe’s Famous Jerky, onion rings and plates of fried chicken.
Location: Cnr Ann & Brunswick Streets, Brisbane
@shadypinessaloon
The Americana-inspired knick-knacks, dusty furs and vintage taxidermy hanging on the walls make Shady Pines Saloon feel like a real Southern dive bar – without the long-haul flight. Here, the live music is reserved for Thursdays and Sundays, leaving the rest of week free for bonding over small-batch whiskeys and bowls of peanuts.
Location: 222 Clarence Street, Sydney
@honkytonks.bne
Smack bang in the middle of Brisbane’s nightlife scene in Fortitude Valley, Honky Tonks serves up good old-fashioned country hospitality in the heart of the city. There’s a weekly line-up of live country performers, hand-crafted cocktails and a dance floor that’s always pumping.
Location: 204 Wickham street, Fortitude Valley
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